Read Novel Full Vol 23 Chapter 6
Vol 23 Chapter 6
TN: Please read my translations only on my website since I never give my permission to any site to host my translations. And if you like my translations, please support this site on Ko-fi and Patreon to read several chapters ahead!
Sponsored chapter by our Patreon. Enjoy~
Chapter 6 – Camille-san Looks Satisfied
When I return to the Beastmen City, Claretta-san informs me that Camille-san is a bit upset. After greeting her upon my return, I asked her what was wrong, and she told me that it was not a big problem, but she was not sure if she should just leave it alone. I understand that it’s difficult to deal with such a sensitive issue, so I offer her some information that might help her negotiate more assertively. I wonder what the outcome will be?
Camille’s POV
“Ca-Camille-dono, please wait a moment.”
Count Auban Julien Beuche, the representative of the Aquamarine Kingdom’s negotiating team, rushes into the negotiations looking nervous.
Until now, he’d been watching the negotiations and leaving them to his subordinate barons, but it seemed he couldn’t stay silent any longer.
“Yes, we have also changed our policy, so we have time. Please take your time to think about it.”
If this takes too long, the regular shipping route between the two countries will be established for real.
“Is the decision to establish the regular shipping route between the two countries final? There are concerns that it will affect the Beastmen City, aren’t there?”
The baron who had been in charge of the negotiations asked questions in a different tone than before. He must have thought that he could use the Beastmen City as a bargaining chip and was stalling, expecting us to give in eventually.
“Mage-sama is someone who finds the mundane world troublesome and has chosen to live in seclusion, so prolonged negotiations would be a hassle for him. You may consider it final.”
I’m not trying to bluff, but considering Wataru-san’s attitude, it’s likely that things will turn out that way if it takes too long.
“And although we are also concerned about the Beastmen City, both Mage-sama and Wataru-san are people who will follow things up, so I think we can work something out.”
It’s true; I think Wataru-san will find a way to make it work. First of all, the regular shipping route is a great advantage for the Aquamarine Kingdom.
Even if the negotiations fail this time, considering the benefits to the country, there is a high possibility that the regular route will eventually be established.
Since the possibility is high, I can’t help but think that they should have accepted it without negotiating in the first place, but it’s natural for most organizations, not just countries, to try to get as much benefit as possible through negotiations.
But Wataru-san is different.
The Aquamarine Kingdom may have forgotten because I was the one who handled the negotiations, but the final decision was made by Wataru-san, who decided to build the Beastmen City.
Well, Wataru-san doesn’t like to be in the spotlight and keeps a low profile, so it’s not surprising that it slipped their minds… Still, it was careless of them.
You can’t expect common sense in negotiations from someone who puts their feelings before profit.
“…Can we take this back and discuss it?”
“Ara? Isn’t Your Excellency Count Beuche the one with full authority? We can wait here if you need time to think, but Wataru is about to leave the Aquamarine Kingdom. In that case, I can’t guarantee how the situation will develop. After all, Mage-sama seems to be acting on his own…”
It’s likely that if we leave now, a decision will take quite some time to make. They will probably send an emissary back to the royal capital to set a date for the next meeting in the near future.
In the meantime, they will be desperately trying to think of something to do. But we have no obligation to go with them.
“Can’t you ask the mage for more time, Camille-dono?”
I would prefer a quick decision, so even if I could ask, I wouldn’t.
“I have never met Mage-sama personally. He is known to be a misanthropic individual. Our Wataru was able to speak with him, but he has declared that he will not negotiate with Mage-sama.”
Heh, the Count, the Baron, and their entourage all look like they think it’s your job to find out something.
When I worked for the merchant guild, I used to read people’s expressions, but now I’m the vice president of the Toyomi Trading Company. Since the president doesn’t do much work, it’s no exaggeration to say that I’m the one in charge.
Even if it’s noble, I will prioritize the company’s interests. However, some follow-up will be necessary.
“Mage-sama is a person who owns many wonderful ships, including the Castle. Our relationship with Mage-sama is a top priority for the Toyomi Trading Company. If we burden Mage-sama, we may lose the regular shipping route.”
Even though His Excellency the Count has been given full authority, can he really take on this responsibility?
There are many people who are counting on the regular shipping route, aren’t there?
They fell silent.
“Then is it possible to ask Wataru-dono to delay his departure?”
Of course, Count Beuche doesn’t give up.
“It depends on how long the delay will be. Wataru seems to be urged by Mage-sama to make a quick decision, so I don’t think there is much time left before the departure.”
“Both you and Wataru are merchants. Such an inflexible attitude might hinder your business, wouldn’t it?”
He probably wants us to know our place.
“As you say, Your Excellency the Baron, Wataru and I are merchants. Normally, we would grant your request, but since we do business in various countries, we have obligations to other royal families. Of course, if you insist, we can ask them to wait, but in that case, we will have to explain the situation. Is that acceptable?”
“…Who are you planning to meet?”
Count Beuche is cautious. Many nobles would simply say that we should give them priority.
“We will meet with the Southern Count in the Kingdom of Latina and the Crown Prince or one of his subordinates in the Kingdom of Brescia.”
I am the one who will meet them, and the exact date has not yet been set, but we are meeting to discuss regular shipping routes, so it is almost certain that we will meet. I am not lying.
No, it was a lie to say that I would wait after explaining the reason. Let’s just say it was a convenient excuse and let it slide.
“Hmm, it’s not a good idea to be indebted to the crown prince and high-ranking nobles of another country, especially one with which we are trying to establish relations. All right, three days. In three days, we will come to a conclusion in the kingdom and bring proof of permission. You have that much time, don’t you?”
I told Wataru that it would be settled today, but I failed. However, setting a deadline of three days can be considered a success.
The only question now is whether they will grant permission or not, but they are not stupid enough to give up the profits they could have made just for a little extra profit. The upper echelons of this country are capable of making such judgments.
“Yes, three days is fine. I look forward to your answer.”
Thanks to Wataru-san, negotiations with the nobles have become much easier since I was scouted. I must be grateful to Wataru-san for that, but I must be careful not to become arrogant now that I’m getting used to the situation.
＊＊＊
“Welcome back. How did the negotiations go?”
Camille-san has returned, so I greet her and ask for the results.
“I’m sorry. I said I would have the results today, but it will be three days before they are ready. I did get a positive response, so I think it will probably be what you want.”
Camille-san bows her head apologetically.
“No, there’s no need to apologize. Three days is plenty of time when dealing with a noble. Thank you for your hard work.”
“I’m relieved to hear that.”
Camille-san smiled.
“Did they ask for anything unreasonable during the negotiations?”
Judging from the atmosphere, it seems to have gone well, but I’d better check just in case. After all, we’re dealing with a noble.
“Unreasonable? If anything, it was us who made unreasonable demands.”
“What? We made unreasonable demands?”
“Yes, we did.”
Camille-san’s giggle is very cute, but what she’s saying is that she made unreasonable demands to a noble. There’s nothing cute about that.
“Oh, I don’t think Wataru-san will be meeting with the negotiator, but it’s probably better if you know the details of the negotiation.”
“…Yes, please tell me.”
It’s a little scary, but it would be troublesome if I happened to run into that noble and the conversation didn’t go well.
…Hmm, it’s not exactly unreasonable, but it does seem like she’s pushing the limits.
Well, it’s not completely false, and although the suspicious parts aren’t set in stone, there’s a high possibility that they could happen.
Well, it should be fine.
“Thank you for your hard work in the negotiations. If that’s the case, then we can depart from the Aquamarine Kingdom the day after tomorrow, right?”
The Beastmen’s Village isn’t exactly uncomfortable, but everything we brought with us is of this world’s quality, so it feels quite inconvenient.
After all, we live on a luxury liner. There are limitations, but in a sense, we live a much better life than I did in Japan, so living in the countryside of a world where civilization is not so advanced is quite difficult.
The toilets are especially difficult.
“Yes, assuming the negotiations are successful, we’ll prepare for three days, but it would be helpful if you could give it another two days.”
It wasn’t possible to leave immediately after receiving permission. But two days was something I could endure.
“I understand. Then I’ll spend that time exploring the area.”
I almost said I’d take it easy, but saying that to Camille-san, who is so busy, would be like asking for a fight.
“In that case, it might be better to talk to William-san.”
“Eh?”
“Wataru-san, don’t make that face. William-san is working too.”
“I’m sorry. I couldn’t help but let it slip. But why William-san?”
To be honest, Camille-san’s words weren’t very comforting.
If it weren’t for work, even a coward like me would have lost my temper.
My mood suddenly dropped.
If you like my translations, please support me on Ko-Fi and subscribe my Patreon to read several chapters ahead!